This happened to me a couple of times. I’ve created this blog post so I don’t forget about the solution and in case it helps anyone else.
The problem
My VW Passat keyfob stopped working. There is nothing wrong with the battery. I was able to check this by using the battery with another keyfob.
This problem is that I’ve managed to “un-sync” the keyfob. The reason this probably happens is that I play with the keyfob all the time, pressing the buttons etc.
The solution
The solution is to reprogram / sync the key back to the car. Follow the steps below:
- Use the flip out key and manually open the driver’s side front door (remove the little key cover on the rear of the door handle).
- ‘Cycle’ (turn) the key clockwise and counter-clockwise. Doing this locked and unlocked the car and the sidelights flashed as they normally do as if I clicked the fob to lock the doors.
- Keeping the key in the door, now use the keyfob, to lock & unlock the car.
- The keyfob should now be working!
Worked for me :)
Thx for help. Worked perfectly!!
Perfect- worked for me first time
Thanks
Awesome! Worked for me first time! HUge thanks!
VW Passat B6 2005 onwards – Keyfob not working – solved….I read this and accordingly removed the end cap of the rear of the door Handle to insert the spare key …However …there are only flat plates underneath on all four Handles ! How do I insert the spare key please ???
Cheers
Rog
Thanks for help! Works perfect from the first time.
I was very sceptical of this. I was quoted €250 for a new key this just saved me €250 thanks so much
Great! I was so simple to do. Thanks a lot!
just did this with my key fob that was no longer working, and now it works!!! cant thank you enough! just saved me 40 quid! legend!
What if both of my keys unlock and lock the doors but neither of them will start the ignition and it initiates the immobilization. How can I resync my keys to my ignition in a 2006 Volkswagen Passat
Did you ever figure out the problem? I have the same issue???
Thanks a lot for helping me to solve this problem in a couple of seconds.
Worked perfectly.
Great tip – it worked on one of my Passat keyfobs but (oddly) not on the other…
Maybe the second one needs a new battery?
Thanks worked a treat on our 2009 Passat.
Hi,
Thanks much, fixed my car straight away, and second key still working, so all good. Thanks loads
Big Sivvs. Scotland
Thank you, very much!
Worked as instructed perfectly. ???
Thanks! Saved me 250 EUR for a replacement key as the key looked completely dead, still didn’t work after replacing battery. Right before deciding to buy a new one I noticed I could start the car with the key, just not open the doors remotely, and with in google found this post which solved the issue!
Spot on buddy, I now have a working fob again. Many thanks.
Thanks, from Portugal
What a legend! Thank you so much worked first go.
Thank you Dave.
My 2009 VW Passat 2l Diesel unlocked and started the other day, but then the remote stopped working (battery was fine and little red red came on when pressing buttons).
The car doesn’t get used much these days as I work from home following CV19 restrictions.
Using the method you described I had it working again within 1 minute :)
Thanks Dave – legend!
What do you do if you do not have the flip key and the fob does not open the car?
I don’t know – visit a key expert I expect :(
Worked perfect
Thanks a mill.
Worked like a charm.
Thanks man!
Regards
Tom
Thanks, it’s perfect solution
Hello, Dave!
So I had this problem today with my B6, the keyfob didn’t lock the door anymore. So I was worried and started to google this problem and found this post. And IT REALLY WORKS! Thanks from Estonia..
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Just wanted to say thank you very much for this info…i have nonisea how my fob unsynched iteslf…left me nearly stranded…searched web n this is THE ONLY solution that worked.
My many thanks to you.
If anyone does not have the key to insert into o/s/f door lock you can remove the barrel and use a screwdriver in lock unit to lock and press fob at same time to code it.
Thanks David, you are a legend!!
great it worked right away thanx a lotttt☺️
Genius! Just saved me the cost of a new key fob. Thank you :)